Tampa Stepparent and Relative Adoption

Compassionate and Responsive Lawyers

At the Tampa law firm of All Family Law Group, we are experienced Tampa adoption attorneys helping stepparents, as well as other relatives, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers who wish to adopt. Same sex married couples and their relatives also qualify for a stepparent or relative adoption as it is now legal in Florida for LGBTQ, same sex couples to marry. We are experienced with the legal procedures that stepparent and relative adoption involve and we are also skilled at building a strong case when a biological parent contests the adoption. Abandonment as defined by the Florida Statutes is a criteria for granting an adoption despite an objection from the birth parent.

Adult Stepparent and Relative Adoption Lawyers

Furthermore, an adult eighteen and older may also be adopted in circumstances where the ” parents” want to make him or her officially, legally a member of the family.

Stepchild or Relative Adoptions

Stepchild or relative adoptions generally proceed smoothly if the biological parent consents to the adoption or if the birth parent does not respond to the Petition, or if the birth parent cannot be found, then a default may be entered and the adoption will proceed without the biological parent. If there is consent or a default, then only statutory requirements must be met to allow the adoption to occur. If it is possible the birth parent will object to the adoption, we will advise you initially as to what will happen if the natural parent objects to the adoption, and whether the facts in your situation are or are not favorable to overcome the objection.

The adoption becomes more complicated when a birth parent contests the adoption action. In the case of a contested adoption, we must prove that the parent was able to, but has failed to provide support and to communicate with the child over a significant amount of time. Statutorily, this is called abandonment. Proof of the biological parent’s abandonment of the child and “intent to reject parental responsibilities” is necessary for the transfer by the judge of parental rights and responsibilities from the biological parent to the adopted parents.

Are you interested in adopting a stepchild or a relative? Call the Tampa adoption attorneys at All Family Law Group, P.A. at 813-672-1900 or email us for a free initial consultation to discuss your case with an experienced attorney who will advise you of your options.

Benefits of Adoption

The adoption of a child or adult can provide many benefits to both the adoptee and the adoptive parent, including the following:

The child becomes legally a member of the family.

Once the adoption occurs, the adopted child or adult and his or her “adopted” siblings have full and equal inheritance rights, precluding complicated wills and preventing inheritance disputes.

When the adoption is final, if there are any child support orders in effect, the obligor’s child support obligation will terminate. However, any outstanding child support arranges are not terminated and can be collected. It may be possible for the birth mother to sign an affidavit to terminate past child support arranges.

Our Tampa adoption lawyers serving Tampa and all of Tampa Bay will help you step by step through the adoption process and keep you informed to simplify it as much as possible for you. There is usually much celebration at the conclusion of an adoption and we enjoy being a part of it!

Contact the Tampa Adoption Attorneys

If you have questions regarding stepchild or relative adoption, including LGBTQ, same sex adoptions, contact All Family Law Group by email or call 813-672-1900 for a free consultation to discuss your adoption. We have a team of adoption attorneys and legal staff committed to providing to you the best representation possible.

Divorces are never fun but Ginger, in fact the entire firm, were wonderful. Whatever the OC threw at us ( and it was a lot), Ginger handled it skillfully. When they hurdled accusations of parental misconduct, Vanessa quickly had it under control. The depth of experience at All Family Law was amazing. Additionally, Cindy and the support staff worked with me on several issues. I cannot say enough how thankful I am.I have sent friends who needed legal work to Ginger and they were pleased with the results. I think you will be happy to have these folks on your side.read more

Beatriz

21:32 24 Jan 19

I recommend Lynette because to her knowledge and expertise of the law related to my case. She was always extremely courteous and professional, always kept me informed at each step of my case, she was always very understanding and responded in a timely manner whenever I needed additional help or had further questionsread more

Trisha Mangal

21:49 20 Jan 19

Wonderful experience with Ginger Dugan and the staff at All Family Law Group. Ginger and Cindy are both very knowledgeable, accessible, and gets work done in a timely manner. She and her staff patiently answered all of the questions I had during a highly stressful time, and made me feel well taken care of from the beginning of the process to the end. So thankful for the hard work and diligent effort of All Family Law Group. Highly recommended.read more

Kim Wiley

14:59 19 Jan 19

Ginger and Team were awesome! They were professional and very quick to respond to all my questions and concerns. They took an uncomfortable situation and made it bearable.read more

Dunbar dunbar

18:25 18 Jan 19

I was scared, stressed, and had no clue on how to proceed with my divorce. Ginger, Cindy, Maria and the rest of the staff informed me on what to expect and walked me through the whole process reducing my stress and giving me confidence in the system and their law firm. Whenever I had questions they were quick to respond and communication was excellent. The staff was very polite and respectful. Thank you!read more

William Glover

19:24 17 Jan 19

The firm was very helpful during such a tough time in my life. I was very happy with the communication and prompt attention that was given to my case. There were issues with my case and those issues were communicated properly and handled with great passion.read more

Roneshia Sykes

01:32 28 Nov 18

The entire staff was very friendly, I was always updated about my case through the entire process. I was very impressed and my experience was great at a difficult time in my life. Thank you Laticia Gread more

Chris Abrahamson

21:13 31 Oct 18

A difficult time made less stressful. Ginger and her office were up front and efficient. Always available and responded immediately. They take the time to listen and do what is best for their client.read more

Julie Dougherty

11:40 14 Sep 18

Ginger Dugan was great. Very helpful and understanding through a difficult divorce process.

Jacob Lurvey

19:59 06 Sep 18

All Family Law Group team are nothing short of amazing. I used Ginger for a child support modification, and I wish, I would have used her for my entire divorce. She and her team are very prompt, knowledgeable and able to explain things in terms that a none legal guru like myself could understand. I will continue to use All Family Law Group and Ginger for all of my future family law needs. I could not be happier with the service she provied, and the out come of my case. Thank you Ginger and Thank you All Family Law Group.read more

Joanna Anderson

18:05 10 Aug 18

It was a very stressful divorce even more complicated by the fact that I live overseas and could not travel to the US. I approached a few attorneys who all refused to take my case because I live in Europe. All Family Law agreed to represent me, and Ginger was very knowledgeable and reassuring throughout the whole process. I was always treated with great courtesy and I felt really supported and well informed. Thank you!read more

Mentor Mala

00:18 05 Jun 18

Ginger made the whole experience pleasant, informal, professional, understanding, and displayed an uncanny drive to ensure our needs are met.read more

Louie Stevenson

14:41 29 May 18

This law firm helped me through a very difficult divorce. The staff is extremely caring, knowledgeable, honest, and professional, and I highly recommend them! They are the best law firm around!read more

Kara Prifti

23:17 14 May 18

Everyone at All Family Law was helpful and courteous! Ginger was an excellent attorney and was quick on her feet and kept me well informed. They have the client's best interest at heart and will work with you to get your situation resolved as quickly as possible!read more

Scottie Gursky

22:50 02 May 18

It was a very good experience! I felt that my needs were taken care of, I felt very comfortable with Monica - she was very supportive and listened to me at all times.read more

Joe Anastasio

15:05 26 Jan 18

Divorce is difficult to go through; however when you deal with an experienced team such as All Family Law the process is easier and the results more positive and fair. They were flexible and attended all scheduled meetings allowing for quicker results. Based on their negotiation skills I was able to avoid litigation, in turn, resulting lower legal costs. Thanks to Ginger and the team!!!read more

Lisa Bryant

23:53 28 Nov 17

Monica,Ginger,Cindy and the rest of the staff in the Riverview office were very helpful and courteous..Very knowledgeable and compassionate.I would definitely recommend this firm.read more

Chris Sladek

17:14 28 Jun 17

The firm worked with me so well from beginning to end on my divorce. Ginger Dugan was there for me during my mediation and I couldn't have asked for a more knowledgeable and wonderful person to assist me in this hard times in my life. She was great and I will always be grateful to her and the firm.read more

Daniel Wakefield

12:43 21 Jun 17

The staff is friendly and responds quickly. Ginger is knowledgeable and compassionate. She responds quickly and understood all the issues of my case. I would recommend this team to anyone who needs a family lawyer.read more

Dave B

18:26 09 Mar 17

Ginger helped to efficiently navigate my divorce, and with her confidence and knowledge level turned an otherwise very anxious period of time into something significantly more calm. This has allowed me to focus my full efforts on ensuring the smoothest transition possible for my kids, and also to proceed through everything peacefully. Ginger is genuine, fair, and has been very responsive to the specific needs of my case since day one. I very highly recommend her. Thank you!read more

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